The Hope City Board held their first meeting of September on Tuesday September 6th. Mayor Ramsey opened the meeting by noting Connie Lavender had recently accepted the City Clerk's position and it had never been anything but routine during his 38 years on the board. He noted that Lavender had been included in a lawsuit (since settled) concerning the qualified signatures on a city board candidate's petition. The Mayor lightheartedly noted they had not explained everything that could happen in connection with the job.The board voted to allow the Hope Police accept a "STEP" grant for $23,600 plus $3,500 to purchase child safety seats for distribution. The $23,600 pays for overtime for officers to work on DWI/DUI enforcement, seat belt enforcement, and speeding. Last year's grant resulted in over 30 DWI/DUI arrests.The board discussed the amount of operable vehicles residents may have at their residence. City Attorney Joe Short noted the law does not limit operable vehicles but it does limit residents to one inoperable vehicle at their residence. It also noted operable vehicles must be on proper surfaces and not just in the yard. Houses built prior to 1981 can have gravel surfaces. The board agreed by acclamation to ask code enforcement to begin cleaning up the inoperable cars in yards first. Don Still also noted the board should also think about some action against big trucks parked in residential areas. Police Chief J.R. Wilson noted he and the city manager have been discussing enforcement in "no parking" areas as well. Still agreed to meet with Cook and Chief Wilson to discuss the issue.Under the city manager's report Catherine Cook noted lighting at North Side Park discussed last month is being addressed by Paul Henley and electrician Sam Cornelius. They are looking into lights mounted on structures and equipped with motion sensors. Also, Cook addressed an area of North Side Park which board member Willie Walker had asked be cleared. Cook noted the area is a "wetland" in a flood plain and a study would be required as well as a permitting process. No official action was taken but the city will investigate options such as if the property might be available for purchase.Cook noted there will be a "meet and greet" Wednesday September 7th from 4pm to 6pm at the Public Works building for new Code Enforcement officer Dorsey Askew. The public is welcome.Cook noted new software will be in for the city financial system in November. She also noted the city audit report will be delivered at the first meeting in October.Board member Mark Ross inquired about code enforcement violations on Rosston Road, the bypass and Hazel, and Spruce and Third. Cook addressed each situation and noted letters have gone out for at least two situations.Board member Willie Walker addressed grass growing over the curb at city hall on Louisiana Street.The board adjourned into executive session at 7:48pm. The meeting reconvened at 8:25pm..Mayor Ramsey noted they discussed personnel but no action was taken. The meeting then adjourned.